Ten tips for reducing energy costs when cooking

Cooking from scratch is usually far cheaper than eating out or buying takeaways, but it can be cheaper still. Jack Monroe explains how – with a smart meter – you can cut your gas and electricity bills, while enjoying healthy, home-cooked meals1 Use your oven less. The oven is the least energy-efficient way to cook – you’re literally paying to heat up a large box of air when just half a shelf will do.2 Use cauldron theory. If you do need to use the oven, consider baking a